Australia submits counteroffer to ESA for Bennell-Pegg ISS flight
Australia has formally countered ESA's offer of an ISS flight for astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg.
The Australian government has formally responded to an ESA offer with a counteroffer to secure an International Space Station flight for astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg. Science Minister Tim Ayres confirmed the response on 23 October. The financial terms have not been disclosed.
ESA extended its invitation in early 2026. While the agency has not confirmed the link, the opportunity is likely tied to its planned ESA-Provided Institutional Crew (EPIC) mission. This mission would see ESA charter a SpaceX Crew Dragon to take astronauts to the ISS for about one month in early 2028. Bennell-Pegg finished basic astronaut training at ESA's European Astronaut Centre in Germany in April 2024, becoming the first person to qualify as an astronaut under the Australian flag.
Speaking on 21 October, Ayres said Australia's required contribution was "well north of $100 million dollars" and would need support from state governments and private backers. Health Minister Mark Butler said on 23 October that South Australia had committed funding, along with several million dollars in philanthropic pledges. The industry-led #flyKatherine campaign said it had secured about A$25 million in cash and in-kind commitments.
Northern Territory Acting Chief Minister Gerard Maley told The Australian on 1 October the spending was "reckless". A spokesperson for Ayres told ABC News on 23 October that the government expected an ESA response before the end of 2026.
Sourceeuropeanspaceflight.com